U.S. bobsled pilot Justin Olsen has emergency appendectomy
U.S. bobsled pilot Justin Olsen had an emergency appendectomy here on Monday, just two days before the team is to start unofficial training.
USA Bobsled and Skeleton is hopeful that Olsen will recover in time to compete later in the Pyeongchang Olympics. The Games open on Friday, and the bobsled competitions begin with two-man on Feb. 18-19 and four-man on Feb. 24-25.
According to a press release, Olsen was admitted with acute appendicitis on Monday night and had a laparoscopic appendectomy in Gangneung.
“We are hoping Justin will recover quickly enough to compete in the two-man race,” USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Darrin Steele said in a press release. “The timing is unfortunate and we are heartbroken for Justin, but he’s shown us over the years that he’s capable of overcoming adversity and coming out on top. We know he’s going to do what he can within his power to be at the starting line on race day. There’s no question he’s mentally ready, but we are looking at our options in case he physically can’t compete.”
Olsen, a three-time Olympian, was one of three pilots chosen for the U.S. team here. He previously competed as a push athlete, winning gold in Steven Holcomb’s four-man sled in Vancouver and competing as part of Nick Cunningham’s sled in Sochi.
Olsen moved to pilot after the Sochi Games. He was expected to compete in two-man with first-time Olympian Evan Weinstock.
USA Bobsled and Skeleton’s selection committee will discuss options should Olsen not be able to compete.
Source:- https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/winter-olympics-2018/2018/02/05/u-s-bobsled-pilot-justin-olsen-has-emergency-appendectomy/309898002/
